Arrythmia Flashcards
What is ectopic beats?
-extra or skipped heartbeats
-they are common
What is the tx for ectopic beats?
Beta blockers
What is atrial fibrillation?
-irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate
-100+ beats per min
What can AF lead to?
Stroke
->blood may not be fully ejected so can cause clot
whatare the 2 types of AF tx?
Ventricular rate control or sinus rhythm control
What is ventricular rate control?
Using medications
What is sinus rhythm control?
Using cardioversion
What do you do if pt presents with life-threatening haemodynamic instablilty?
Emergency electrical cardioversion w/o delaying to achieve anticoagulation
What do you do if pt presents w/o life-threatening haemodynamic instablilty within < 48hr
Rate or rhythm control
What do you do if pt presents w/o life-threatening haemodynamic instablilty within > 48hr
Rate control
What is pharmacological cardioversion?
Flecainide or amiodarone
What should be started and ruled with electrical cardioversion?
start IV anticoagulation + rule out left atrial thrombus
What is 1st line of AF maintenance?
-rate control monotherapy
-standard BBlocker (x sotalol) OR RL CCB (Diltiazem or verapamil) or digoxin (predominantly sedentary pt with non-paroxysmal AF)
what is 2nd line of AF maintenance?
rate control with dual therapy (bblocker + digoxin or ditiliazem)
what is 3rd line of AF maintenance?
-rhythm control
-if >48hr risk of clotting so electrical cardioversion
-Pt needs to be anticoagulated for at least 3 weeks and given oral anticoagulation for 4 wks after
What drugs are used for post cardioversion tx?
how long to ant
SPAF
-sotalol
-propafenone
-amiodarone ( start 4wk before and continue for 12MT)
-flecainide
What is paroxysmal AF?
Intermittent episodes of AF that terminate within seven days either spontaneously or with intervention.
How to tx paroxysmal AF?
1) Standard beta blockers
2) SPAF
tx of episodes of paroxysmal AF?
pill in pocket
flecainide/propafenone PRN
How does stroke prevention work?
-Assess risk of stroke + need for thromboprphylaxis (warfarin) using CHA2DSC2-VASc
- Not needed if men = 0 women =1